Metrocentre shoppers given CPR lesson by ambulance staff

SHOPPERS were given a lesson in CPR by ambulance workers. The North East Ambulance Service (NEAS), along with the British Heart Foundation were at the Metrocentre in Gateshead at the weekend to raise awareness of CPR.

The North East Ambulance Service (NEAS), along with the British Heart Foundation were at the Metrocentre in Gateshead at the weekend to raise awareness of CPR.

Shoppers participated in demonstrations and were given advice about looking after their heart.

Adele Young, community resuscitation officer for the service, said: “The importance of the right care, at the right place at the right time for the patients is fundamental to the work of NEAS.

“The first few minutes after someone suffers a cardiac arrest are vital. If someone can perform CPR, this will increase the chances of survival for the patient and early defibrillation increases their chances even further.

“One of the aims of our event is to take away the fear of performing CPR. We are very passionate about passing these skills and knowledge onto the general public.”

The Metrocentre is one of the largest sites for first responder schemes that react on behalf of the North East Ambulance Service should an emergency occur in the centre, until an ambulance arrives.

Operations manager at the Metrocentre Gavin Prior said: “One of the most important criteria of managing a shopping centre is to look after the wellbeing of the shoppers and staff and ensure their comfort and safety. In Metrocentre, 56 employees have recently completed their AED training in May and a further 10 employees are due to complete this course run by NEAS this month.”